Monday 11 January 2010

Betta Splendens for sale

We frequntly have some lovely Betta's for sale. Why not join our RSS feed (see below) to be updated on current stock. We also send out regular tips and tricks to help you with your Betta keeping.

Sunday 10 January 2010

FILL YOUR TANK CORRECTLY

If your tank is without a lid, fill it about 75% high to ensure your fish won't leap out. Bettas are very active and can easily leap right out if you're not careful.

If your tank is without a lid, use a mesh cloth on top to hamper any escape attempts. Your betta will be much happier with the extra water and access to surface air.

NEUTRALIZE TAP WATER FIRST

Prepare the water. Use a water conditioner before putting fresh tap water in the tank, as chlorine and chloramines can harm bettas. Simply letting water mature in a bucket won't get rid of chloramines or heavy metals. We use Seachem or Amquel to do the trick.

FISHTANK NEEDS TO BE BRIGHTER?

Better get a fighter!

BETTA SPLENDENS

A lot more colourful and interesting than the humble goldfish, these hardy aquatic jewels originate from the paddy fields of Thailand.

Progressively bred by aquarist’s over the years these fish are now ocasionally available in a stunning variety of colour and form.

Although they can survive in a relatively small amount of water, Betta’s should always be given a good sized tank with gentle aeration and a freedom from sharp objects (Betta’s are weak swimmers and dislike strong currents, and they can easily damage deilcate fins on sharp rock or gravel).

We keep our Betta’s at 26 centigrade in mature water conditioned with Ocean Nutrition Atisons Betta Spa. Like all tropical fish, Betta’s benefit from a large routine water change.

Betta’s are generally hardy fish if kept in the correct conditions. They make amiable pets and have even been known to recognize and respond only to the person feeding them.

They should be fed sparingly on a varied diet with ocasional live food as a treat. Brine shrimp and frozen bloodworms along with proprietory Betta food makes a good choice.

How many fish can I keep in one tank?

Male Betta’s should be housed singly since they will fight with others of the same species (hence the name!). They will also worry other females. They can be kept with other peaceful fish such as corydorus catfish and Plecs, but caution is the watchword.

If incorporating other tankmates, always err on the side of understocking rather than having too many fish. Using the surface area of your tank in centimetres (i.e. the length x width) a useful formula is LxW/40= total cms of fish length in your tank. E.g if your tank is 100x100cm= 10000/40 = 250 total cms of fish length. This is not an exact science and much will depend on your water quality and filtration methods. Aim to do at least a partial water change ever week, even with good filtration.

New keepers should familiarise themselves fully with the husbandry of the species by looking at the various links on this site.

Please note all images are to illustrate the species for sale and may not represent actual current stock.

FED UP OF THE HUMBLE GOLDFISH?

....Better buy a betta!